Jacket review: Alpinestars waterproof over-jacket

Alpinestars waterproof over-jacket (superseded by Quick Seal Out version, £89.99)Time used: Six years

What’s good: I’m not a huge fan of textile bike gear, I always find it a bit ‘frumpy’, so most of the time I either wear leathers or a leather jacket with this waterproof jacket over the top.

You get the full protection of leathers and the waterproof jacket keeps the wind, rain and cold away. It’s easy to put on as it’s a zip-up (the ones you have to put on like a jumper are always a struggle to get over my leathers’ speed hump) and it’s thick enough to be nice and warm too.

I’ve been wearing this for years and covered hundreds of thousands of miles in it. Despite the use and abuse in all weathers and several trips to the washing machine it’s still going strong.

What’s not: I’ve had to replace the metal zip flap with a key ring after it broke last year – so I’ve knocked a star off.

Contact: www.alpinestars.com or see MCN classifieds for local dealers.Rating: 4/5